Mensch and Mediation: Formal Dinner with Danielle Jaku-Greenfield
On the 19th of September, Danielle Jaku-Greenfield returned to University of Sydney grounds, to Mandelbaum House. To the same place where she studied a unit at the Law school, to the same place where her parents both studied, and to the same place her beloved grandfather Eddie is honored annually at Mandelbaum House.
The third formal dinner of Semester Two, 2024 held on Gadigal Land began with the Acknowledgement of Country done by Logan Cully, Cássia Melanie Francisco and Somerset Wu. This was followed by the highlight of the evening, the presentation of the Eddie Jaku Mensch prize by the guest speaker. Each resident and staff member had the opportunity to nominate a resident who is making a positive difference within the college and best exemplifies the qualities of a Mensch. This is a person with integrity, dignity and good character. Traits that the ‘Happiest Man on Earth’ Eddie Jaku swore by. Nine residents received nominations with resident Omar Galal receiving the most nominations and awarded this special prize. He received a copy of Eddie’s book, a certificate and gift voucher.
Danielle, a lawyer turned mediator, was introduced by resident Theo Eliot. She shared stories about her grandfather and she brought joyful photos from across the years with her grandfather. We learned that he delivered a TEDx Talk at the age of 99 in Sydney, published his memoir aged 100 and was given the rare honor of a State Memorial, aged 101. Danielle gifted the college with a recently published children’s book of Eddie’s story called ‘The Happiest Boy on Earth’. This now sits proudly on the shelf in the college for residents and visitors to read and enjoy.
The air was filled with the sound of warm chatter and delightful musical performances by sisters Frances and Ilona Gray on the clarinet and piano. The quiet clanking of metal on glass was silenced by Danielle’s insightful and detailed talk, the moment punctuated by the sweet taste of chocolate mousse.
Danielle suggested we walk into all conversations with an open and curious approach, and commitment to respectful communication. She recommended we cultivate our open-mindedness, intellectual humility and genuine curiosity through active listening. She feels the world has an advocacy surplus and enquiry deficit.
Danielle also spoke about conflict resolution and how to overcome disagreements. She mentioned two important tips: calming down and gathering yourself before revisiting the conflict in order to not act out of anger and discussing with the intent of resolving the conflict rather than butting heads. The tips were thoughtfully shared to benefit the average university student to deal with daily conflict scenarios that might arise from living or working together.
With a vote of thanks and token of appreciation from the residents to the guest speaker presented by Michael Beckhouse, the evening came to close. It was a special night spent with special people with another special person kept in mind.
Article by: Sharanya Prasanna (Mandelbaum House resident)
Photography: Andres Zambrano (Mandelbaum House resident)